MTB Challenge

Name: MTB Challenge
Start: 2025-09-27T07:30:00+02:00
Location: Plaisir de Merle Wine Estate

Schedule

Sat, 27 Sep, 2025 at 07:30 am

UTC+02:00

Location

Plaisir de Merle Wine Estate | Stellenbosch, WC

Off-road racing at its very best, the MTB Challenge hits the Cape Winelands on Saturday, 27 September 2025 and offers 12 km, 25 km and 55 km options. The 2025 edition of the MTB Challenge will take place at the beautiful Plaisir Wine Estate, R45, Simondium.
The event is open to PPA members as well as non-members and targets both existing cyclists, newcomers to the sport, the average participant, as well as the elite sportswoman. E-Bikes are welcome to join.
NEW VENUE: Plaisir Wine Estate is rooted in their history, and refined by nature’s wisdom. Plaisir Wine Estate was established in 1693 and draws on over 300 years of expertise and heritage. In the spirit of the Griffon, they are dedicated to the integrity of this landscape, ensuring that future generations can continue to savor its beauty and bounty. Riders will be treated to the iconic Bankhoek Conservancy trails. Experience diverse and rich fynbos vegetation, a wide variety of exotic bird and smaller buck species while exploring the elegance of the slopes.
The info tent will be able to answer any last-minute questions or to purchase replacement MTB board. Coffee on sale for your caffeine fix with varies stalls which include pancakes, food, wine, beer, cooldrinks and lots more! Sit back, relax and enjoy all that the venue has to offer after your ride!
Included in your entry fee will be timing, finishers medal, Banhoek Conservancy permit, beautiful on route experience, fully stocked waterpoints, post-race village and lucky draw. Lucky draw will take place at 12h00.
Entries: Entries close on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.
12 km: R200 PPA Member and R250 Non Member
25 km: R350 PPA Member and R400 Non Member
55 km: R450 PPA Member and R500 Non Member
Please note if you don’t have a permanent FinishTime / RaceTec MTB Timing board, you will be required to purchase a permanent board for R140 during the entry process.
Please note if you are not a PPA Member or a CSA license holder you will be required to take out a CSA Day License for R50 during the entry process.
Start Times & Start Groups:
12 km: From 08h30
25 km: From 08h00
55 km: From 07h30
An email & SMS will be sent on Friday, 26 September 2025 with your start group.
Timing:
Timing will be done with a permanent RaceTec / FinishTime MTB Board. Please note that the timing Chip is embedded in your permanent RaceTec / FinishTIme MTB Board. If you already own a Permanent RaceTec / FinishTime MTB Board, please remember to bring your MTB board to the event. You will issued with a event sticker at registration which you will need to apply across the top of the MTB Board. Please note that you will not be able to start the event without your RaceTec / FinishTIme MTB Board and the event sticker placed across the top of the board.
Registration:
Registration will take place on race day only at the venue. You will receive your email and SMS with your start group on Friday, 26 September 2025. Have your start group ready at registration.
Saturday, 27 September 2025: From 06h30 at the venue, Plaisir Wine Estate, R45, Simondium.
Route Information:
55 km Route: 1283 m Total Elevation. Start time from 07h30.
There are 3 waterpoints on the 55 km route. There will be some fruit, potatoes and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water.

25 km Route: 580 m Total Elevation. Start time from 08h00.
There is 1 waterpoint on the 25 km route. There will be some fruit, potatoes and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water.

12 km Route: 267 m Total Elevation. Start time from 08h30.
Starts off with open gravel road, followed by mainly vineyard riding. About 5km into the route, a fun pump track section will be an enjoyable feature for everyone. Highest point in the route is at about 9km, followed by a nice single-track section, and easy riding to the finish.
There is 1 waterpoint on the 12 km route. There will be some fruit and sweets to keep the energy levels high. Stay hydrated with Coke and water.

OUR PARTNERS:
Official vehicle partner: Toyota
Official hydration partner: Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages